NNA - Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salamé stated that the recent Israeli war and the daily attacks perpetrated against Lebanon have not had a significant impact on the country's cultural identity. He emphasized that cultural life continues to thrive and vibrate with creativity, despite the daily Israeli aggression.

In an interview with the Chinese Arabic-language channel CGTN, he explained that "Theater, painting, and cinema in Lebanon are activities that fall under the private sector, and more specifically, civil society. Just as society has proven its resilience and its capacity to continue producing and creating in the past, it is proving it once again today."

He added: "Despite the war, the bombings, and the Israeli violations, not a day goes by without a new exhibition, a theatrical performance, or a film. Cultural life in this country is dynamic, regardless of the security situation." "The Israeli attacks deliberately targeted archaeological sites,"

Minister Salameh emphasized that "the Israeli attacks deliberately targeted archaeological sites," specifying: "The first site is Beaufort Castle (Qalaat Shamaa), a place of worship and an archaeological site that the Ministry had restored before the war. One of its domes was destroyed during the raids. The second site is the Nabatieh Market, which includes numerous historical buildings and is considered a complete heritage site. We initiated technical studies for its restoration as soon as the attacks ended." He also mentioned the damage sustained by the Al-Manshiyya historical building in Baalbek.

He stressed that Lebanon is a country "rich in cultural heritage, with more than ten thousand archaeological sites within its borders." Minister Salamé concluded: "The succession of civilizations and empires on this land has endowed it with an inexhaustible heritage, which places upon us a great responsibility to protect it, especially in times of war and conflict."